Page 53 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

“Not your style?” Nolan sighed. “My mother warned me against jewelry, but I wanted something that at least approached your beauty.”

How do you politely say, “Thank you, not interested?”

“Perhaps over supper you can tell me more about yourself, and I can send better tokens of my affection in the future.”

Supper? Future!Adelaide took a step backward, her words caught in her throat.

“I’m sorry?” Regulus choked out.

Adelaide’s palms grew slick. This conversation had careened out of control.

“Good luck with that.” Minerva snorted. “Perhaps you should ask Lord Hargreaves what kinds of gifts Adelaide enjoys.”

Nolan opened and closed his mouth as he shot a glare Regulus’ direction. “I suppose,” he said with a pleasant smile, “until I can offer gifts more suited to your tastes, Adelaide, I’ll have to win this tournament in your honor.”

Adelaide shook her head. “Oh—”

“Has someone else already dedicated their victory to you?” Nolan raised a brow.

“Well, no, but—”

“Good. I wouldn’t expect too much from Hargreaves’ first tournament, to be blunt.”

“I’ll enjoy proving you wrong,” Regulus said evenly.

Adelaide huffed. Annoying male egos. “Sir Nolan—”

“Please, just Nolan.”

“Sir Carrick.” She took a deep breath. “I think there may have been a misunderstanding.”

“Then what is there to misunderstand?” Nolan looked into her eyes. “Every blow with my sword, every hit with my lance. Every win, and my ultimate victory, will be for you. When I am weak, I will look to you and your smiling face will give me strength.”

Adelaide raised her brows, jaw agape.Is he for real?“Sir Carrick—”

“Nolan,” he said, an edge to his voice. She took a deep breath as her irritation grew.

“Sir Carrick,” Gaius said. “The lady is trying to let you down gently.”

Nolan looked to Gaius, then back at her. “Is this true?”

“I’m sorry. I don’t return your feelings.”

“Obviously,” Dresden muttered.

Nolan glared at Regulus. “Because of him?”

She couldn’t contain her irritation any longer. “Because of you! You’re insufferable! You’re vain and rude and presumptuous!” She clenched her hands into fists as she shoved down the urge to knock him backwards with a magic blast. “Just...go!”

Nolan hung his head. “I apologize profusely, my lady. I meant no offense. My heart ran away with me, and if in my zeal to show you my affection, I appeared vain and presumptuous, I am most ashamed.”

His sudden show of humility caught her by surprise. He certainly knew how to speak well when he so desired.

“I would give anything for a chance to redeem myself.” Nolan stepped closer. Regulus moved around her, his hand on his sword. She didn’t need him to, but she appreciated the protective instinct.

“Lady Belanger asked you to leave,” Regulus said, his voice deep and emphatic. Gracious, that was attractive.

Nolan backed up. “As for rude, I blame my sincere desire to protect you from a man I do not believe to be worthy of your trust or your affections.” He bowed, then sauntered past, followed by his knights. As he passed Regulus, he said in a voice so low she almost didn’t hear him, “I’ll see you in the lists, mongrel.”

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